Incidence and risk factors of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary thromboembolism after spinal cord disease at a rehabilitation unit: a retrospective study

This study examines the occurrence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) in Korean patients with spinal cord disease undergoing rehabilitation. These conditions are major complications that can arise due to impaired mobility and changes in blood coagulation following spinal cord injuries. The study found that both DVT and PTE occurred in 6.3% of the patients within three months of the spinal cord disease onset. Older age (65 years or older) and limited ability to walk independently were identified as risk factors for developing DVT. The researchers suggest that early screening for DVT and PTE should be conducted in patients with acute-to-subacute spinal cord disease, regardless of whether they exhibit specific risk factors, to ensure timely intervention and prevention of severe complications.

• 1
  The incidence of DVT and PTE in patients with spinal cord disease was 6.3% and 6.3%, respectively, within 3 months of disease onset.
• 2
  Age of ≥65 years and a low Functional Ambulation Category (FAC) score (≤1) were identified as independent risk factors for DVT development.
• 3
  A traumatic cause of injury and the presence of DVT were significant independent risk factors for PTE.